The Goldfinch Painting

The Goldfinch painting is a link between Theo and his mother; while Theo could not save his mother, he was able to save the painting, which is a metaphor for permanence, beauty, hope and light in the world.

The Blackwell ring

The Blackwell ring symbolizes the circle of life and how, generation after generation, artwork and its permanence and beauty are there for all countries to enjoy. The Blackwell ring also serves to pull Theo into Welty's circle of friends.

The drooping tulip greeting card

The sympathy card which Dorothy Decker, Theo's paternal grandmother, sent to Theo after his mother's death, is a symbol for the theme of natures morte or death in life. This card is also a sign that something is inherently flawed in Theo's grandmother.